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This book gripped me from the very first pages. I don't often sacrifice my sleep for a book, but this was definitely one I just couldn't put down. The way Poppy was treated gave me some serious Handmaid's Tale vibes.

The worldbuilding is fantastic. JLA has created a unique world that you can clearly picture. I wholeheartedly disagree with anyone who says otherwise. Everything is described in great detail. Certain things are hidden, like the types of supernatural creatures in this world, but this is essential to the plot and left me even more hooked. The way we're fed information as we go along left me constantly eager for more.

Sometimes there is too much description. I had to reread several passages as I found the amount of detail a bit overwhelming and hard to process. However, I don't agree with the criticism of JLA's writing style at all. Sure, there are a few errors, but nothing remotely bad in my opinion. I really enjoyed the way the story was told.

And I LOVE the characters. I really like Poppy's character and narrative. She makes questionable choices at times, and this just makes me like her even more. But she does get frustrating at a certain point in the novel. I saw a certain plot twist coming a mile off (which I was okay with), but at about 70% in I thought Poppy would never catch on to what she was literally being told. Admittedly, I had a soft spot for Vikter. And the male lead was definitely... intriguing 😉

I'm glad I finally decided to see if From Blood and Ash lives up to the hype.

And now, I need to rant.

SPOILERS AHEAD

(view spoiler)["Those slippers are likely to be the death of you, and that dress... the death of me."

How did it go from me loving this guy to being repulsed by him?? I genuinely don't know if I can come back from this. Yeah, I knew he was going to end up being our 'villain', but why did he have to be such an @ss about it? He could have at least shown a bit of regret, but nooo, he's brutally cold when he explains to Poppy that it was a trap.

"There is no way out of this. You belong to me."

Oh my gods, could you be more possessive? Puke! And that proposal? That wasn't even a proposal! Have you tried asking? This isn't how you treat someone you have feelings for!

Last but no less heartbreaking, why did Vikter have to die 😭 (hide spoiler)]